The organisation has been operating in Australia since 1957, and facilitates peer to peer recovery groups to create connections, build community and provide support for those in need.

GROW Program Worker, Jo Young said that the value of peer to peer support was 'incredible'.

"Many people in the country are struggling with their mental health at the moment due to lockdown and in the wake of a mouse plague, droughts and bushfires," Mrs Young said.

"As a result of this, mental health services have been inundated with demand from those struggling, and mental health peer to peer support services like grow can play a vital role in complementing these services and keeping people connected."

The GROW support groups offer are free and offer accessible help for members of the community offering practical support and an avenue to speak on what is going on in their life that is affecting their mental health.

No referral is needed and participants are encouraged to share their stories and challenges in a supportive and structured peer to peer format.

According to the GROW 2021 Member Survey, 96 percent of participants said they would refer GROW to others, an indication of how the GROW Program is used as a pathway to good mental health.

READ MORE

"GROW groups are a friendly place where you can talk with other people who understand and help each other to improve their lives," Mrs Young said.

The organisation also offers a free online program, 'Growing Resilience', which provides six one hour Zoom sessions, facilitated by experienced program workers where people can discuss and support one another through their mental health challenges.

The Griffith GROW group meets weekly on Tuesday nights at 6pm and the Leeton GROW group meets on Thursday mornings at 10:30am, both using Zoom currently due to current lockdown restrictions.

"You don't have to sit alone and suffer, there is free, friendly and confidential support available to you," Mrs Young said.

For more information about the Grow group or the Growing Resilience Program, call 1800 558 268 or visit www.grow.org.au.

If you or someone you know needs help contact;

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: